CALABAR — Four persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a road accident involving students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), as authorities renewed warnings against over-speeding and reckless driving NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The crash occurred at 9.25 p.m. on Friday when a bus conveying students from an official engagement was involved in an auto crash at Ikót Okon along Odukpani-Itu-Ikot-Ekpene federal highway.
According to Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata of the Cross River Command, “Preliminary reports indicate that the coaster bus was reportedly conveying passengers… when it was involved in a collision with the container truck”, the vehicle was carrying about 22 occupants at the time.
The police further noted that the driver of the container truck was not found at the scene upon the arrival of first responders, and efforts are ongoing to identify and locate him as investigations continue to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that four persons, including three students and the driver, were certified dead, while 18 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injured are currently receiving treatment across multiple medical facilities. At least five victims were admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), with others taken to the General Hospital Calabar, Asi Ukpo Hospital, and Arubah Hospital for care.
Although the exact cause of the crash has not been officially established, the incident has been linked to persistent concerns over speeding and lack of driver alertness, describing the development as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe road practices.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Francisca Bassey, has intervened to support affected students, ensuring that those injured receive prompt medical attention.
She also received a solidarity delegation from the University of Uyo, alongside representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and the National Association of Nigerian Students, who visited victims in a show of support.
An update suggest the remains of one of the casualties, the president of UNICROSS Faculty of Physical Sciences Students Association, Lucky Eteng, has arrived his hometown Ijiman/Agoi Ekpo in Yakurr LGA. The varsity’s Students Union Government (SUG) director of sports, Solomon Nya, has been identified by some sources as one of the four casualties.
The accident has sparked renewed concern within the university community and beyond, with calls for stricter adherence to traffic regulations and improved safety measures for student transportation. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
